Written by Chris Dobbs
Life drawing can seem intimidating when you’re first faced with a live model and a blank sheet of paper.
Many beginners worry that they need exceptional drawing skills before attending a life drawing session, but the reality is quite different. Life drawing is about learning to observe, simplify shapes and train your eye to see accurately.
Whether you’re completely new to drawing or looking to improve your confidence, these simple techniques can help you make stronger, more successful drawings.
1. Counting Heads – Understanding Proportion
One of the most useful ways to establish proportion is by using the head as a measuring unit.
Artists often estimate how many “head lengths” tall a figure appears. Most adults are approximately seven to eight heads tall.
By comparing the size of the head to the rest of the body, you can quickly identify whether your figure is becoming too long, too short or out of proportion.
This simple method helps create a strong foundation before moving on to finer details.
Illustration idea:
A figure diagram divided into head-length measurements.
2. Look for Simple Shapes
Before drawing details, try seeing the body as a collection of simple shapes.
The ribcage may resemble an oval, the pelvis a tilted bowl, while arms and legs can be simplified into cylinders.
Breaking complex forms into simple shapes makes the figure much easier to draw and helps avoid becoming overwhelmed.
Professional artists use this technique constantly.
Illustration idea:
Figure reduced into circles, cylinders and boxes.
3. Gesture Drawing – Capturing Movement
One of the most valuable exercises in life drawing is gesture drawing.
Rather than focusing on details, gesture drawing aims to capture the movement, weight and energy of the pose.
Many artists spend only one or two minutes on a gesture drawing.
The goal is not perfection.
The goal is to understand how the figure moves and occupies space.
A lively, energetic gesture drawing often communicates more than a highly detailed but stiff drawing.
Illustration idea:
Series of quick one-minute sketches.
4. Draw What You See, Not What You Think You See
One of the biggest challenges for artists is overcoming assumptions.
Our brains like to tell us what a hand, arm or face should look like.
Unfortunately, what we think we see is often different from reality.
Successful life drawing comes from careful observation.
Spend as much time looking at the model as you do looking at your paper.
Many tutors recommend spending around 70% of your time observing and only 30% drawing.
The more closely you observe, the more accurate and convincing your drawings become.
5. Use Light and Shadow
Once proportions are established, light and shadow can bring a drawing to life.
Instead of outlining everything, look for areas of light and dark.
Squinting slightly can help simplify what you’re seeing and reveal the major shadow patterns.
By focusing on these tonal shapes, drawings become more three-dimensional and realistic.
Why Life Drawing Improves All Your Artwork
Many artists describe life drawing as one of the best ways to improve their overall drawing skills.
It teaches:
- Observation
- Proportion
- Composition
- Confidence
- Understanding of anatomy
- Use of light and shadow
The skills developed during life drawing sessions benefit every artistic discipline, from painting and illustration to botanical art and landscape work.
Join Our Life Drawing Evenings in Teignmouth
Sessions are hosted by local artist Chris Dobbs, creating a relaxed and welcoming environment where people can enjoy drawing, improve their skills and spend time with fellow creative people.
Many attendees come simply for the enjoyment of drawing and the opportunity to spend an evening immersed in creativity.
Whether you’ve never attended a life drawing session before or are returning after many years, you’ll receive a warm welcome.
Based in the heart of Teignmouth’s Arts Quarter, our life drawing evenings have become a popular part of the local arts community.
We’d love to see you at a future session!